Can She Do it? Design 2 tiny concrete jungle gardens into unique graceful entries

For Jeff and Carrie the biggest problem was the builder had planted two Aspen trees.  2013

After Tiny N.E. Portland Entry Design is installed with boulders and new plantings. (2016)

The Design Challenge    

Initially Jeff and Carrie hired me to create a Landscape Design in a Day for their small backyard. They loved the design we created together and installed it themselves over three years.

Last spring they contacted me to design their tiny front yard in tandem with their next door neighbor.  The front yards were less than 400 square feet and set in a very urban environment.  They wanted their landscapes to flow together.  I thought this was a great idea!

Design Requirements for Difficult Site  

The clients wanted plants with low maintenance water needs that could thrive in hot south sun. There was reflected heat off the ginormous concrete drive.  They wanted plants with year-round color/curb appeal.  There were so many problems to solve but the biggest was the two initial Aspen trees planted in their tiny front yard.

Rough sketches helped my clients and I work through to the best idea.

Five 10″+ wide trunks (suckers) erupted from the small Aspen trees.  The roots filled every square inch of the soil in their yard and their neighbors. Their neighbor wanted simplicity and color and no Aspen tree roots.

Before Photo: Tiny landscape is completely engulfed by Aspen trees and needed a new landscape design.

Aspen trees and roots removed and new soil and boulders installed by D and J Landscape Contractors

Remove the Tree Roots and Bring in New Soil

Because the “soil” was tight hard clay fill, I knew my design solution would include bringing in new soil. Attractive boulders would retain the soil and add a naturalistic style.

The Process  I met with all my clients, collected their thoughts and desires and sketched two design options.  Important considerations included:

Tiny Driveways  The driveways were so tiny that there was no place to walk except in the soil side strips.  I used large flagstone so they could step out of their car onto the flagstone.  I repeated the same flagstone for the front walk.  Practicality reigns in all my designs.

Cars were constantly running over existing plants at the end of the drive, so we added a strong turf stone and planted it with Stepables.  This softened the look of the turf stone which is rather industrial.  I also selected plants that would grow to hide a large 4×6 metal plate.

Practical material suggestions from Donna Burdick.  Once planted this turf stone will make a safe place for stepable plantings.

Boulders and Soil  Raised rock wall planting beds were designed for each property. Each bed had its own individual shape so they fit together, but had their own style.

While removing the Aspen roots and grading, the contractors discovered there was more concrete and rubble than fill dirt!  It would have been impossible to grow anything (besides aspen trees or maybe cactus) without the raised and retained new soil.

Trees:  The Focal Point

“We are very happy with the design and install. Thanks for all the great ideas!” – Jeff Putsch

The focal point trees shape and mature sizes were selected with care so they won’t grow into one another as they age.  The new trees, a Crape Myrtle and an improved Bloodgood Japanese Maple, provided each landscape with individuality.  They will need some yearly pruning to achieve my goals.

Teamwork   Since it was such a tricky site, I needed an experienced and creative contractor for the final landscape installation. I met with Donna Burdick of D&J Landscape Contractors and walked through the design and site.  I knew my clients were in good hands.

The Results   Designing both front yards at the same time allowed me to create a landscape that appears larger and cohesive for both homes.  Since I always work collaboratively, the clients helped me make each garden unique.  They loved my design and I got kudos for referring Donna Burdick, since her installation made these gardens come together perfectly.  The clients were very pleased with her work.

Contact Me in 2025

This design was completed and installed almost 20 years ago.  Today I have many Portland landscape design clients with wildly different needs.  Its been wonderful taking on these difficult sites.  They don’t have to be difficult but I love a tricky city landscape property with problems to solve.  I still specialize in custom landscape design because even if the property is simple the clients may have unique and complex wants for their home.  Call me.  I still answer my phone, return voice messages and quickly answer my contact form.